This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce, all made in a single skillet. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious, hearty meal without the fuss of multiple dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, everything cooks in one pot, meaning minimal cleanup afterward. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the beef and garlic as it cooks, creating a depth of flavor you can’t achieve when cooking pasta separately. The creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta perfectly, while the Parmesan adds a wonderful umami quality. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but delicious enough to serve to guests. Plus, it’s customizable with various add-ins to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Olive oil provides the initial cooking fat for browning the beef, adding a subtle fruity note to the foundation of the dish.
Ground beef is the protein star of this recipe, providing rich flavor and satisfying texture. Choose a lean-to-medium fat content (80-85% lean) for the best balance of flavor and not too much grease.
Garlic infuses the dish with its aromatic, slightly spicy flavor that becomes mellow and sweet when cooked. Fresh garlic makes a noticeable difference in the final flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
Beef broth forms the flavorful cooking liquid for the pasta, allowing it to absorb all those savory notes as it cooks. Use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt level yourself.
Heavy cream transforms the dish into a luxurious, velvety meal. It creates that silky texture that clings to the pasta and balances the savory elements with its subtle sweetness.
Pasta is the foundation that brings everything together. Short shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli work best because they catch the sauce in their ridges and hold up well during the one-pot cooking method.
Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty dimension that deepens the flavor profile. It also helps thicken the sauce as it melts into the hot cream.
Salt and pepper are essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in the dish. Add them gradually and taste as you go.
Fresh parsley brightens the rich dish with color and a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the creaminess.
Directions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week. The total time to prepare this meal is just 20 minutes – 5 minutes for prep and 15 minutes for cooking. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories, making it a substantial main course.
Variations
Vegetable Additions: Add vegetables like spinach, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value. Spinach and peas can be stirred in during the last 2 minutes of cooking, while mushrooms and bell peppers should be sautéed with the beef.
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the garlic for a spicy kick.
Different Proteins: Substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for different flavor profiles.
Herb Infusion: Add dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) when cooking the beef, or finish with fresh herbs like basil or thyme instead of parsley.
Cheese Variations: Try using Romano cheese, Asiago, or even a spoonful of cream cheese for different flavor notes in the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so keep this in mind.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating on Stovetop: The best way to reheat this pasta is in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce, and stir frequently until heated through.
Microwave Reheating: For a quick option, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a small amount of liquid if the pasta seems dry.
Meal Prep: This recipe works well for meal prep – portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
FAQs
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, but the sauce won’t be as thick and rich. If using milk, consider adding a tablespoon of flour to the beef after browning to help thicken the sauce, or reduce the milk slightly by simmering longer.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes with ridges or curves work best because they hold the sauce well. Penne, rotini, fusilli, and farfalle are excellent choices. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti or linguine, which can be harder to cook evenly in a one-pot method.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this dish up to 2 days ahead. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to refresh the sauce, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
To reduce calories, use ground turkey instead of beef, half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and increase the amount of vegetables. You could also use a smaller portion of pasta and supplement with zucchini noodles.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but it can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your beef broth is gluten-free (some brands contain gluten as a stabilizer).
What can I serve with this pasta dish?
A light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make excellent accompaniments to balance the richness of the pasta.
My sauce is too thin, how can I thicken it?
If your sauce is too thin, simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes. You can also make a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water, then stir this into the simmering sauce.
Can I use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Fresh-grated Parmesan will melt more smoothly and provide better flavor, but pre-grated can work in a pinch. Avoid the shelf-stable type in the green canister if possible, as it contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
How do I know when the pasta is perfectly cooked in this method?
The best way to check pasta doneness is to taste it. In this one-pot method, test a piece about 2 minutes before the package directions suggest it should be done. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the epitome of comfort food made simple. By cooking everything in a single skillet, you not only save on cleanup but also create a dish where every element is infused with flavor. The creamy sauce, savory beef, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in just 20 minutes, making this an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you follow the recipe exactly or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this versatile dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. It’s proof that delicious, homemade meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
A quick and delicious one-pot meal featuring creamy beef, garlic butter, pasta, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting dinner.
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can use any kind of pasta you prefer.
- For a spicier dish, add chili flakes or use hot paprika.
- Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
